Frequently asked questions
What is HSK?
HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is China's official Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. It measures your ability to use Mandarin across reading, writing, and listening.
What is the difference between HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0?
HSK 3.0, introduced in 2021, expands the exam from 6 levels to 9 and roughly triples the required vocabulary. HSK 2.0 (6 levels) is still widely used for university admissions and language certification.
How many levels does HSK have?
HSK 3.0 has nine levels: HSK 1–3 for elementary, 4–6 for intermediate, and 7–9 for advanced. HSK 2.0 has six levels (HSK 1 beginner through HSK 6 advanced).
Which HSK level should I start with?
Begin at HSK 1 if you are new to Chinese. It covers around 500 core words in HSK 3.0 (150 words in HSK 2.0) and focuses on common pinyin sounds and everyday vocabulary.
How long does it take to prepare for the HSK?
Casual learners typically need 2–3 months per lower level (HSK 1–3) and 4–6 months per upper level (HSK 4–6) with consistent daily study. Advanced levels (HSK 7–9) often take a year or more.
How should I study HSK vocabulary?
Work through the official list for your target level using spaced repetition, read the example sentence for each word, and review characters you see repeatedly. HSK in Depth organizes every word and character by level with pinyin, meanings, and usage notes.